Aeroflex 3550 Parts list manual

3550 / 3550R
Communications Test Set
Getting Started Manual
EXPORT CONTROL WARNING: This document contains controlled technical data under the jurisdiction
of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR 730-774. It cannot be transferred to any foreign
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Issue-9

3550 / 3550R Getting Started Manual
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3550 / 3550R
Communications
Test Set
Getting Started Manual
PUBLISHED BY Aeroflex
COPYRIGHT Aeroflex 201
6
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher.
Original Printing Sep
2012
Issue-2 Mar
2013
Issue-3 Jun
2013
Issue-4 Aug
2013
Issue-5 Sep
2013
Issue-6 Apr 201
4
Issue-7 Oct
2014
Issue-8 Feb 201
5
Issue-9 Jan 201
6
10200 West York / Wichita, Kansas 67215 U.S.A. / [phone] / FAX [phone]

3550 / 3550R Getting Started Manual
Subject to Export Control, see Cover Page for details.
This manual contains essential information relating to initial use of the
Unit. Aeroflex recommends the operator become familiar with the
Operation Manual contained on the accompanying CD-ROM.
Aeroflex updates Test Set software on a routine basis. As a result,
examples may show images from earlier software versions. Images are
updated when appropriate.

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1
Product Warranty
Refer to http://ats.aeroflex.com/about-us/quality/standard-
hardware-warranty for the Product Warranty information.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Double shielded and properly terminated external interface
cables must be used with this equipment when interfacing
with the REMOTE Connector.
For continued EMC compliance, all external cables must be
shielded and 3 meters or less in length.
Nomenclature Statement
In this manual, 3550 / 3550R, Test Set or Unit refers to the
3550 / 3550R Communications Test Set.
Declaration of Conformity
The Declaration of Conformity Certificate included with the
Unit should remain with the Unit.
Aeroflex recommends the operator reproduce a copy of the
Declaration of Conformity Certificate to be stored with the
Operation Manual for future reference.
Software Version
Aeroflex updates Test Set software on a routine basis. As a
result, examples may show images from earlier software
versions. Images are updated when appropriate.
Power Cords
The AC Power Cord included with the unit, or an appropriate
replacement, should be used to connect the Test Set to a
grounded AC power supply. Failure to ground the Test Set
may expose the operator to hazardous voltage levels.
To connect the Test Set to a Class II (ungrounded)
2-terminal socket outlet, fit the power cord with either a
3-pin Class I plug used in conjunction with an adapter
incorporating a ground wire, or fit the power cord with a
Class II plug containing an integral ground wire. The ground
wire must be securely fastened to ground; grounding one
terminal on a 2-terminal socket does not provide adequate
protection.
Power cords must be in good operating condition. Power
cords must not be frayed or broken, nor expose bare wiring.
Using a damaged power cord may expose the operator to
hazardous voltage levels.
International Power Requirements
The AC power cord must meet local regulations and power
requirements. Check with local standards and regulations to
ensure the power cord being used meets all local safety
regulations.

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Precautions
SAFETY FIRST - TO ALL OPERATIONS PERSONNEL
General Conditions of Use
This product is designed and tested to comply with the
requirements of IEC/EN61010-1 ‘Safety requirements for
electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use’ for Class I portable equipment and is for use in a
pollution degree 2 environment. The equipment is designed
to operate from installation supply Category II.
The 3550 should be protected from liquids such as spills,
leaks, etc. and precipitation such as rain, snow, etc. The
3550R is ruggedized and can tolerate spills, leaks, rain,
snow, etc. When moving the equipment from a cold to hot
environment, allow the temperature of the equipment to
stabilize before the Unit is connected to an AC power supply
to avoid condensation forming. The equipment must only be
operated within the environmental conditions specified in the
product specifications.
This product is not approved for use in hazardous
atmospheres or medical applications. If the equipment is to
be used in a safety-related application, such as avionics or
military applications, the suitability of the product must be
assessed and approved for use by a competent person.
Refer all servicing of Unit to Qualified Technical Personnel.
PROTECTION PROVIDED BY EQUIPMENT
MAY BE IMPAIRED IF THE TEST SET IS
USED IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY
THE MANUFACTURER.
Safety Identification in Technical Manual
This manual uses the following terms to draw attention to
possible safety hazards that may exist when operating or
servicing this equipment:
IDENTIFIES CONDITIONS OR ACTIVITIES
THAT, IF IGNORED, CAN RESULT IN
EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, E.G.
FIRE.
IDENTIFIES CONDITIONS OR ACTIVITIES
THAT, IF IGNORED, CAN RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Safety Symbols in Manuals and on Units
CAUTION: Refer to accompanying documents.
(Symbol refers to specific CAUTIONS
represented on the Unit and clarified in the text.)
Indicates a Toxic hazard.
Indicates item is static sensitive.
AC TERMINAL: Terminal that may supply or be
supplied with AC or alternating voltage.
Indicates a fuse (AC or DC).

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Case, Cover or Panel Removal
Opening the Case Assembly exposes the operator to
electrical hazards that may result in electrical shock or
equipment damage. Do not operate this Test Set with the
Case Assembly open.
Equipment Grounding Protection
Improper grounding of equipment can result in electrical
shock.
Use of Probes
Refer to Performance Specifications for the maximum
voltage, current and power ratings of any connector on the
Test Set before using the connector with a probe from a
terminal device. To prevent electrical shock or damage to
the equipment verify the terminal device performs within
noted specifications before using it for measurements.
DMM Measurement Category
The Digital Multimeter (DMM) is classified in Measurement
Category II. Measurement Category II is designated for
equipment which performs measurements on circuits directly
connected to low voltage installation.
Power Cords
The AC Power Cord included with the unit, or an appropriate
replacement, should be used to connect the Test Set to a
grounded AC power supply. Failure to ground the Test Set
may expose the operator to hazardous voltage levels.
To connect the Test Set to a Class II (ungrounded)
2-terminal socket outlet, fit the power cord with either a
3-pin Class I plug used in conjunction with an adapter
incorporating a ground wire, or fit the power cord with a
Class II plug containing an integral ground wire. The ground
wire must be securely fastened to ground; grounding one
terminal on a 2-terminal socket does not provide adequate
protection.
Power cords must be in good operating condition. Power
cords must not be frayed or broken, nor expose bare wiring.
Using a damaged power cord may expose the operator to
hazardous voltage levels.
International Power Requirements
The AC power cord must meet local regulations and power
requirements. Check with local standards and regulations to
ensure the power cord being used meets all local safety
regulations.
Use Recommended Fuses Only
Use only fuses specifically recommended for the equipment
at the specified current and voltage ratings. Refer to
Performance Specifications for fuse requirements and
specifications.

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Internal Battery
This Unit contains a Lithium Ion Battery, serviceable only by
a qualified technician.
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
SIGNAL GENERATORS CAN BE A SOURCE
OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
(EMI) TO COMMUNICATION RECEIVERS.
SOME TRANSMITTED SIG
NALS CAN CAUSE
DISRUPTION AND INTERFERENCE TO
COMMUNICATION SERVICE OUT TO A
DISTANCE OF SEVERAL MILES. USER OF
THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD SCRUTINIZE
ANY OPERATION THAT RESULTS IN
RADIATION OF A SIGNAL (DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY) AND SHOULD TAKE
NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID
POTENTIAL COMMUNICATION
INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS.
Input Overload
REFER TO PRODUCT SPE
CIFICATIONS FOR
MAXIMUM INPUT RATINGS FOR ANT AND
T/R INPUT CONNECTORS.
Fire Hazards
MAKE SURE THAT ONLY FUSES OF THE
CORRECT RATING AND TYPE ARE USED
FOR REPLACEMENT. IF AN INTEGRALLY
FUSED PLUG IS USED ON THE SUPPLY
LEAD, ENSURE THAT TH
E FUSE RATING IS
COMMENSURATE WITH THE CURRENT
REQUIREMENTS OF THIS EQUIPMENT.
Toxic Hazards
SOME OF THE COMPONENTS USED IN
THIS EQUIPMENT MAY INCLUDE RESINS
AND OTHER MATERIALS WHICH GIVE OFF
TOXIC FUMES IF INCINERATED. TAKE
APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS IN THE
DISPOSAL OF THESE ITEMS.

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Toxic Hazards (cont)
BERYLLIA
BERYLLIA (BERYLLIUM OXIDE) IS
USED IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOME OF THE
COMPONENTS IN THIS EQUIPMENT.
THIS MATERIAL, WHEN IN THE FORM OF
FINE DUST OR VAPOR AND INHALED INTO
THE LUNGS, CAN CAUSE A RESPIRATORY
DISEASE. IN ITS SOLID FORM, AS USED
HERE, IT CAN BE HANDLED SAFELY,
HOWEVER, AVOID HANDLING CONDITIONS
WHICH PROMOTE DUST FORMATION BY
SURFACE ABRASION.
USE CARE WHEN REMOVING AND
DISPOSING OF THESE COMPONENTS. DO
NOT PUT THEM IN THE GENERAL
INDUSTRIAL OR DOMESTIC WASTE OR
DISPATCH THEM BY POST. THEY SHOULD
BE SEPARATELY AND SECURELY PACKED
AND CLEARLY IDENTIFIED TO SHOW THE
NATURE OF THE HAZARD AND THEN
DISPOSED OF IN A SAFE MANNER BY AN
AUTHORIZED TOXIC WASTE
CONTRACTOR.
BERYLLIUM COPPER
SOME MECHANICAL COMP
ONENTS WITHIN
THIS INSTRUMENT ARE MANUFACTURED
FROM BERYLLIUM COPPER. THIS IS AN
ALLOY WITH A BERYLLIUM CONTENT OF
APPROXIMATELY 5%.
IT REPRESENTS NO
RISK IN NORMAL USE.
THE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE
MACHINED, WELDED OR SUBJECTED TO
ANY PROCESS WHERE HEAT IS
INVOLVED.
IT MUST BE DISPOSED OF AS “SPECIAL
WASTE.”
IT MUST NOT BE DISPOSED OF BY
INCINERATION.

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Toxic Hazards (cont)
LITHIUM
A LITHIUM BATTERY IS USED IN THIS
EQUIPMENT.
LITHIUM IS A TOXIC SUBSTANCE SO THE
BATTERY SHOULD IN NO
CIRCUMSTANCES BE CRUSHED,
INCINERATED OR DISPOSED OF IN
NORMAL WASTE.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECHARGE THIS
TYPE OF BATTERY OUTSIDE OF THE TEST
SET. DO NOT SHORT CIRCUIT OR FORCE
DISCHARGE SINCE THIS MIGHT CAUSE
THE BATTERY TO VENT, OVERHEAT OR
EXPLODE.
Static Sensitive Components
CAUTION
THIS EQUIPMENT CONTAINS PARTS
SENSITIVE TO DAMAGE
BY ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)
This equipment contains components sensitive to damage by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). All personnel performing
maintenance or calibration procedures should have
knowledge of accepted ESD practices and/or be ESD
certified.

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Table of Contents
Service Upon Receipt of Material...................................8
Specifications............................................................ 13
Installation................................................................ 15
External Cleaning ...................................................... 18
Controls, Connectors and Indicators ............................ 18
Power On/Off Procedures ........................................... 21
Touch Screen............................................................ 22
Multi-Language Support.............................................. 22
User Interface (UI) Components .................................. 23
Defining Parameters................................................... 25
Suspend (Sleep) Mode ............................................... 27
System Menu ............................................................ 28
Configuration Modes .................................................. 29
Screen Hierarchy ....................................................... 30
Battery/Fuse Replacement.......................................... 31

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1.0 SERVICE UPON RECEIPT OF MATERIAL
1.1 Unpacking
Use the following steps to unpack the Test Set:
STEP PROCEDURE
1. Cut and remove sealing tape on top of shipping
container.
2. Open shipping container and remove Transit Case.
3. Place Transit Case on a clean and dry surface.
4. Open Transit Case to inspect contents.
5. Store shipping container for possible future use.
1.2 CHECKING UNPACKED EQUIPMENT
Check the equipment for damage incurred during shipment.
If the equipment has been damaged or if items seem to be
absent from the shipment, report the damage and/or
discrepancies to Aeroflex Customer Service.
Contact:
Aeroflex
Attn: Customer Service
10200 West York Street
Wichita, Kansas 67215
Telephone: [phone] (U.S. only)
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
email: americas.[email protected]

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Standard Items
DESCRIPTION PART
NUMBER QTY
3550 / 3550R
Adapter (BNC-F to TNC-M)* 23758 5
Antenna (BNC) (50 MHz) (HF)* 9149 1
Antenna (BNC) (150 MHz) (VHF)* 9145 1
Antenna (BNC) (450 MHz) (UHF)* 9147 1
Antenna (BNC) (800 MHz)* 9143 1
Cable (BNC) (M-M) (48 in)* 62368 2
Cable (TNC) (M-M) (48 in)* 62398 1
Case, Accessory* 5762 1
Case, Transit* 91706 1
Cover / Stand* 91679 1
External DC Power Supply 67374 1
Fuse, Spare (5 A, 32 Vdc,
Type F)* 56080 2
Handset* 64606 1
Manual, Getting Started (Paper)
(English) 90521 1
Manual, Operation (CD) (English) 90520 1
Power Cable (AC) (3-wire leads)* 27516 1
DESCRIPTION PART
NUMBER QTY
Power Cable (AC) (China)* 91803 1
Power Cable (AC) (Continental
Europe)* 27480 1
Power Cable (AC) (North
America)* 27478 1
Power Cable (AC) (UK)* 27477 1
Power Cable (AC) (DC Cigarette
Lighter)* 62404 1
Short-Open-Load VSWR
Calibrator (TNC)* 38245 1
* Included with Regional Accessory Kit (U.S., International
or China)

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3550 / 3550R Adapter
(BNC-F to TNC-M) Antenna (BNC) (50 MHz) (HF) Antenna (BNC) (150 MHz) (VHF)
23758 9149 9145
Antenna (BNC)
(450 MHz) (UHF) Antenna (BNC) (800 MHz) Cable (BNC) (M-M) (48 in) Cable (TNC) (M-M) (48 in)
9147 9143 62368 62398

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Case, Accessory Case, Transit Cover / Stand External DC Power Supply
5762 91706 91679 67374
Fuse, Spare
(5 A, 32 Vdc, Type F) Handset Manual, Getting Started (Paper) (English) Manual, Operation (CD) (English)
56080 64606 90521 90520

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Power Cable (AC)
(3-wire leads) Power Cable (AC) (China) Power Cable (AC) (Continental Europe) Power Cable (AC) (North America)
27516 91803 27480 27478
Power Cable (AC)
(UK) Power Cable (DC Cigarette Lighter) Short-Open-Load VSWR Calibrator (TNC)
27477 62404 38245
(or)

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2.0 SPECIFICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL / PHYSICAL
Overall Dimensions
231 mm (W), 285 mm (L), 70 mm (D)
(9.1 in X 11.2 in X 2.8 in)
Weight
8.3 lbs. (3.75 kg); 12 lbs. (5.4 kg) with accessories
Temperature (Storage)
-51°C to +71°C
Battery must not be subjected to temperatures below
-20°C, nor above +60°C
Temperature (Operation)
DC Only (battery removed, contingent upon applied
RF power over time*)
0°C to +50°C (3550)
-20°C to +55°C (3550R)
Battery (typical based on internal temperature rise and
usage of the instrument*)
0°C to +40°C (3550)
-20°C to +40°C (3550R)
Battery is to be charged at temperatures between 0°C
and +45°C only.
Altitude
4600 M
Humidity
95% maximum (non-condensing)
Shock, Functional
30 G
Vibration
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3 (3550)
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 2 (3550R)
Water (3550R only)
Blowing Rain, Drip Proof and Salt Exposure; Enclosure
Dust Resistance
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 2
Solar Radiation
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 2 (3550R)
* Use reason when working with RF test instruments. All
thermal ratings are dependent upon applied RF power.
The 3550 alarms once the internal temperature of the
3550 exceeds predetermined limits. Applying power
continuously in high ambient temperature conditions
result in a heat build-up within the instrument. The 3550
is rated for 20 W (43 dBm) for 10 minutes at +25°C or
until thermal alarm sounds. Exceeding these conditions
results in thermal shutdown.
(Specifications are subject to change without notice.)

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COMPLIANCE / SAFETY
EMC
Emissions
MIL-PRF-28800F
EN61326: 1998 Class A
EN61000-3-2
EN61000-3-3
Immunity
MIL-PRF-28800F
EN61326: 1998
Safety
UL 61010-1
UL 6101-1
CSA
AC INPUT POWER (AC to DC Converter/Charger Unit)
AC Input Voltage Range
100 to 240 VAC, 1.5 A maximum, 47 Hz to 63 Hz
Operating Temperature
0°C to +40°C
Storage Temperature
-20°C to +85°C
EMI
EN55022 Class B
EN61000-3-2 Class D
Safety
UL 1950, CSA 22.2 No. 234 and No. 950, IEC 950/
EN 60950
DC INPUT POWER
DC Input Voltage Range (DC INPUT Connector)
11 to 32 Vdc
DC Power Input, Maximum (DC INPUT Connector)
55 W
DC Power Input, Nominal (DC INPUT Connector)
25 W
DC Fuse Requirement (DC INPUT Connector)
5 A, 32 Vdc, Type F
BATTERY
Battery Type
Lithium Ion (Li Ion) Battery pack
Battery must not be subjected to temperatures below
-20°C, nor above +60°C
Operation Time (Typical) (Duty Cycle: 80% Transmitter
and 20% Receiver tests)
4.5 hours continuous use (Minimum Backlight) (Still
Viewable)
4 hours continuous use (40% Backlight)
3.5 hours continuous use (100% Backlight)
Charge Time
4 hours (Unit OFF) / 8 hours (Unit ON)
Battery is to be charged at temperatures between
0°C and +45°C only.

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3.0 INSTALLATION
The External DC Power Supply should only be connected to a
grounded AC supply outlet.
3.1 Safety Precautions
The following safety precautions must be observed during
installation and operation. Aeroflex assumes no liability for
failure to comply with any safety precaution outlined in this
manual.
3.1.A Complying with Instructions
Installation/operating personnel should not attempt to install
or operate the Test Set without reading and complying with
instructions contained in this manual. All procedures
contained in this manual must be performed in exact
sequence and manner described.
3.1.B AC Power Requirements
The External DC Power Supply, supplied with the 3550 /
3550R, operates over a voltage range of 100 to 240 VAC at
47 to 63 Hz.
3.1.C Grounding Power Cord
Use a 3-prong AC Power Cord to connect the Test Set to a
grounded AC Power Supply.
DO NOT USE A THREE-PRONG TO TWO-
PRONG ADAPTER PLUG. DOING SO
CREATES A SHOCK HAZARD BETWEEN
THE CHASSIS AND ELECTRICAL GROUND.
For AC operation, the AC Line Cable, connected to the
External DC Power Supply, is equipped with a standard
three-prong plug and must be connected to a properly
grounded three-prong receptacle.
It is the customer's responsibility to:
•Have a qualified electrician check receptacle(s) for
proper grounding.
•Replace any standard two-prong receptacle(s) with
properly grounded three-prong receptacle(s).
3.1.D Operating Safety
Due to potential for electrical shock within the Test Set, the
Case Assembly must be closed when the Test Set is
connected to an external power source.
Battery replacement, fuse replacement and internal
adjustments must only be performed by qualified service
technicians.

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3.2 Battery
The 3550 / 3550R is powered by an internal Lithium Ion
battery pack. The 3550 / 3550R is supplied with an External
DC Power Supply which allows the operator to recharge the
battery using AC power.
The 3550 / 3550R can operate continuously
on AC power via the External DC Power
Supply, for servicing and/or bench tests.
3.2.A Battery Operation
The internal battery is equipped to power the 3550 / 3550R
for 4.5 hours of continuous use, after which time, the
3550 / 3550R battery needs recharging. When the POWER
Indicator is GREEN, the battery is at >25% capacity. When
the POWER Indicator is YELLOW, the battery is at <25%
capacity.
If the battery level, shown in the BAT Field on most Test
Screens, drops to 10 (10%), the 3550 / 3550R powers down
automatically.
3.2.B Battery Charging
The battery charger operates whenever the supplied External
DC Power Supply or a suitable (11 to 32 Vdc) DC Power
source is applied to the 3550 / 3550R. When charging, the
battery reaches a 100% charge in approximately four hours
(Unit OFF) / eight hours (Unit ON). The internal battery
charger allows the battery to charge between a temperature
range of 0°to 45°C.
The battery should be charged every three months (minimum)
or disconnected for long term inactive storage periods of
more than six months. The Battery must be removed when
conditions surrounding the Test Set are <-20°C or >60°C.
Allow 20 minutes for the battery to charge when turning the
3550 / 3550R ON from a dead battery condition.
Use a 3-prong AC Power Cord to connect the Test Set to a
grounded AC Power Supply.

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3.2.C Battery Recharging
(using the supplied External DC Power
Supply)
STEP PROCEDURE
1. Connect the External DC Power Supply to the DC IN
Connector on the 3550 / 3550R.
2. Connect the AC Power Cable to the AC PWR
Connector on the External DC Power Supply and an
appropriate AC power source.
3. Verify the BATT Indicator is yellow.
4. Allow four hours (unit OFF) / eight hours (Unit ON)
for battery charge or until the BATT Indicator is
green.
If the BATT Indicator is yellow and/or the
battery fails to accept a charge and the
3550 / 3550R does not operate on battery
power, the battery, serviceable only by a
qualified technician, requires replacement.